Hey everyone! Training camp is unfortunately, almost fully wrapped up. We have spent time learning ways to present the gospel in multiple perspectives, growing as a team, and growing in dependency on the Lord. After training camp, on Saturday October 15th, we will be traveling to New Orleans, Louisiana to partner with Samaritan’s Purse and serve people who have been affected by Hurricane Ida. On November 5th my squad and I will launch to Jaco, Costa Rica! We will be serving in Costa Rica all the way to January 7th, and will head to Thailand from there.
This past weekend during church, I was trying to focus in on the character of God. I finally began to focus in on three words that accurately describe His being. Granted, there are infinite ways to describe his goodness, glory, and power. The three words or ideas that were highlighted to me are “He loves His children,” “He leads His children,” and “He never leaves His children.”
To begin, let me say that human words will never do God justice. I could speak of His love forever, but the words of man could never fully incapsulate His glory. God’s love is shown best through the life of Jesus Christ. John 3:16 tells us that God loves His creation so much that he would give His only son to die, so we would not be separated from Him, but through His great love we could be restored and seen as righteous in His eyes the moment we turn to Jesus.
John 15:13 says “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” Love takes sacrifice, and that is exactly what the Father did in sacrificing his only son. God continues to pursue us despite our unfaithfulness to Him, and even gave His life so we could have relationship with Him.
The second L word to describe God is that He Leads his children. He can be seen leading many times throughout the Bible, namely while the Israelites are wandering through the desert in Exodus 13. He shows up as a pillar of fire in the night to direct the way for his people to walk. Isaiah 48:17 says “Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go.” God provides a perfect example of how to live our lives on Earth. Jesus showed what it means to fully live a life dependent on the Father. He prayed to the Father, and trusted the Father with his life. God has proven himself to be the greatest leader time and time again in my own life, in the lives of people around me, and all throughout his Word.
Another way to describe God is by saying he never leaves. The rebellion of people all throughout the Bible gave God plenty of reasons to give up on all of us. However, because of his mercy we are able to see he walks beside us throughout everything. On our bad days God mourns with us, and surely on our good days God celebrates with us. Deuteronomy 31:8 says “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” In every battle we face God is with us, and He will be sure to carry us to victory.
Thank you for reading this far! I’m so thankful for all of my supporters, and everyone who has partnered with me so far. Please continue to pray for the health of my squad, and for us to be a blessing everywhere we go. Subscribe to be notified whenever I post a new blog. I am so excited to have you on this journey with me.
Great word Grant! I encourage you to use this lesson and continue to let it speak to your heart as you serve the people in Louisiana! What a fun season!!
You are wise beyond your years young man.
Grant, words cannot describe the love and respect I have for you and all who go out and serve our Lord. You amaze me everyday how dedicated you are to God and to this mission..Your Granny is smiling down on you…love you.